Assignment Descriptions -

For each discussion question (DQ) response, please keep the responses to approximately 300-500 words per discussion. Use examples to illustrate your understanding. Also, be sure to cite properly with every response, since this is a very basic skill and something that makes your writing look like a scholar.

In order to make your learning experience as meaningful as possible, you have a choice in which discussions are most meaningful to your work environment, For each of the units, select two questions from each group to explore and discussion.

Unit 1 -

DQ 1: What are the strengths of Ireland's HR strategy (see case)? Be specific.

DQ 2: What are the weaknesses of the strategy? What specifically should leaders do to improve future strategic plans?

DQ 3: What is your style of handling workplace conflict (choose from among the five listed in the article)? Has this style been effective or ineffective? Explain your rationale.

DQ 4: What can HR managers do to mitigate workplace conflict? What steps should be taken to convert tension into innovation?

Unit 2 -

DQ 1: What can HR managers do to assure fairness in promotional opportunities for virtual team members?

DQ 2: In the article - "Human Resources and Virtual Teams", what does the author mean when stating that compensation for virtual team members should project oriented? Do you agree with this perspective?

DQ 3: What do you view to be the two most important findings the research report? Explain your rationale.

DQ 4: What role do managers have in shaping the ethical climate of an organization? Cite a statistic from the research report to support your conclusions.

Unit 3.1 -

DQ 1: Do you agree with the author that HRM within SME's should be studied as a distinct discipline apart from traditional HRM? Explain your rationale.

DQ 2: Why are small business owners and entrepreneurs reluctant to apply HRM theory to their ventures? Why have scholars largely ignored the issue SME HRM?

DQ 3: What are your thoughts on the research findings? What were you surprised by? What recommendations do you have for HR mangers?

DQ 4: As an HR leader would you recommend investigating job applicants on social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace. Consider the ethical ramifications and be specific in your rationale.

Unit 3.2 - Executive Interview

Learners gain insight into effective HRM by interviewing a practicing executive or entrepreneur who is responsible for recruiting, training and compensating employees. This exercise introduces learners to the value of primary qualitative research. In this 2-3 page paper students will:

1. Rationalize why this HR professional was selected.

i. Identify successful techniques used by this individual.

ii. Compare the individual's actions with HR theory.

iii. Are his/her actions in alignment with scholarly theory?

iv. Discuss best practices that could be applied by other HR managers in other industries.

Unit 4.1 -

DQ 1: Explain the concept of alignment. What can leaders do to assure alignment between the various levels of management within a firm?

DQ 2: What can executives do to empower middle managers? What impact will this have on firm performance?

DQ 3: Review the section of each strategy dealing with rewards and compensation. Are these organizations providing enough detail about compensation?

DQ #4: Is the relationship between rewards and recruitment adequately discussed in each strategy?

Unit 4.2 - HRM Strategy Analysis

Students will read the HR strategies of two direct competitors: University of London and City University of London. Learners will compare the strategies and create a 3-4 page paper. Learners should:

1. Discuss which university has the more effective strategy?

i. Provide example of effective HR planning.

ii. What are the strengths of each plan?

2. Discuss how City University's program and effectiveness rankings can be low in comparison to competitors, yet have management rankings that are higher than competitors.

i. What factors might influence this paradox?

ii. What should HR leaders of each school do to improve their plans?

iii. Provide research citations to support your suggestions.

Textbook - An Introduction to Human Resource Management Second Edition by John Stredwick.

Unit 1, 2, 3.1, 4.1 has to choose two question from each group at least 300 words per question. at least two pages have to write for 3.2. 4.2 paper has to write 1500 words.

Attachment:- Assignment File.rar